12 Ways to Improve Your Senior Dog’s Life

1. CBD, aka Cannabidiol

Owner testimonials abound where CBD and senior pets are concerned. Vets say it can help with everything from mobility and joint pain to anxiety and appetite. It’s also frequently recommended for dogs with diseases like cancer but speak to your vet first to ensure it doesn’t interfere with any existing protocol, such as chemo. 

“In my practice, I recommend it primarily for pain/inflammation, anxiety and cognitive decline, seizure disorders, and cancer,” says Dr. Katherine Kramer, an integrative veterinarian at VCA-Canada Vancouver Animal Wellness. She notes that results vary depending on the individual. “Some patients have had amazing responses… Overall, most dogs with arthritis appear to have great responses.”

Try: Suzie’s CBD Soft Chews. They contain 2 mg of full-spectrum, human-grade, organic CBD oil from their USDA organic farm, and are available in Chicken and Turmeric, Beef Bone Broth, and Peanut Butter Carob flavours to tempt even picky seniors. ($25, suziespettreats.com)

2. Cold Laser Therapy 

If your dog is stiff and showing signs of arthritis or inflammation-related pain, cold laser therapy can help. This non-invasive procedure uses coherent laser energy to stimulate cell regeneration and increase blood circulation, promoting healing and helping to control pain. Veterinary physiotherapists frequently offer this healing modality, but the LASERwrap Dog Coat allows you to access the benefits of cool laser therapy at home or while traveling. It’s ideal for dogs with conditions necessitating healing and pain support or management, such as arthritis or intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). (from $695, spectratherapy.com/mdm) 

3. A Fun Brain Teaser to Keep Aging Brains Sharp 

Engage that brain! As dogs age, providing them with enrichment, training exercises, and chewing can help preserve their cognitive ability. The Hive Chew Toy from Project Hive Pet Company is a multifunctional enrichment toy that can dispense treats or be used as a chew-and-fetch toy. Made from non-toxic flexible materials, it is also gentle on older dogs’ teeth and gums. ($16, projecthivepetcompany.com)

4. A Bed Protector

Protect your dog’s favorite bed from age-related accidents and messes. The 4Knines Dog Bed Slip Cover provides a waterproof layer of protection while still being extra soft and quilted. Durable and machine washable, it also wards off household allergens, dust mites, mold, mildew, and odours. ($50, 4knines.com)

5. A Harness for Dogs that Need Support Walking 

Give your dog a lift! Senior dog mobility challenges don’t need to mean the end of walks. The Original Walkabout Back End Harness from Walkabout Harnesses can be used for dogs with arthritis, hip dysplasia, spinal trauma, or general fatigue. The easy-to-use sling offers the rear-end support needed to help your dog stand and walk, go up the stairs, or get in the car. (from $40, walkaboutharnesses.com)

6. A Pee Pad for Weakened Bladders

As dogs age, they often suffer from bladder and kidney issues that lead to urinary incontinence. Keep your home clean and sanitary with the WizSmart Essentials XL Charcoal dog pads. These extra-large pads are sustainably made, super absorbent, and feature four stay-put tabs to keep them in place. The charcoal instantly neutralizes odour and hides urine stains, and any liquid is turned into gel with WizSmart’s adaptive technology. ($40, wizsmart.com)

7. A Supportive Bed

Having a comfortable spot to rest weary bones is crucial for senior dogs. Our golden oldies can sleep up to 20 hours a day! The Oslo Ortho Bed from Bowsers features an easy entry scooped front combined with a cool gel memory foam insert for added support. Infused with cool gel microbeads, it also helps your dog regulate body temperature. Bonus: the durable zippered cushion is easily removable and machine washable. (from $150, bowsers.com)

5 Supplements That Will Put Some Spring in Your Senior Dog’s Step 

Prolong Your Dog’s Healthspan. Vetericyn’s All-In Senior Dog Supplement is specially formulated to meet your dog’s life stage needs with ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin, fish oil, collagen, biotin, and calcium to promote digestive, cellular, bone, mental, and immune health. ($30, vetericyn.com/all-in)

Retain Vision. Support your dog’s eye health with Ocu-GLO Soft Chewables. Grape-seed extract, lutein, Omega-3 fatty acids, and a unique combination of 12different antioxidants help prevent damage andprotect vital eye cells. (from $40, animalnecessity.com)

Soothe Sore Joints & Promote Mobility. Boost your dog’s hip and joint health with this uniquely formulated plant-based supplement. MitoMax JH capsules combine plant-based probiotics, glucosamine, and hyaluronic acid to help alleviate inflammation and enhance nutrient absorption. Works concurrently with antibiotics! (from $23, mitopets.com)

Increase Longevity.  Longevity powder from Springtime Supplements is especially beneficial for older, less active dogs. Easy to administer, it features a blend of 16 natural ingredients,including bee pollen, spirulina, chondroitin sulfate, MSM, vitamin C, glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, manganese, and more. Simply sprinkle on your dog’s food to support wellness and ease age-related issues. (from $60, springtimeinc.com) 

Mushroom Power. Improve your dog’s immune system health with the Mushroom Immune Pet Chews from Real Mushrooms. Veterinary formulated and third-party lab tested, these chews are made from a powerful blend of organic Reishi, Shiitake, Maitake, Turkey Tail, and Chaga mushrooms, as well as ashwagandha and astragalus herbs to bolster immune system response. ($35, shop.realmushrooms.com)

This article originally appeared in the award-winning Modern Dog magazine. Subscribe today!